Now, more than ever, families are looking at creative ways to stretch their dollars. With higher prices for household items from food to clothing, consumers are repairing items instead of automatically buying new.

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, giving, eating and festivities. It should not be centered on stress, anxiety and debt. Get organized early, save money and stay sane in preparation for buying gifts for those you love this year.

For many Americans, the only area where they may have lost weight over the holidays is their wallet. And as their credit card statements begin to arrive with the reminder -- and obligation -- of their holiday spending, consumers should resolve now to lower their debt in the New Year.

Is your son or daughter one of the 18 million students heading for college this fall? If so, you're probably still recovering from the shock of seeing the tuition bill. How do you find the money to pay for ever-increasing tuition costs?

Gas prices go up, gas prices go down, but up or down the per-gallon cost is still a lot more than most of us want to pay. It's likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future. There is, however, a silver lining or two in the stormy drama of gas prices, and you don't have to be a cockeyed optimist to find it.

Sticking to a well-orchestrated budget while hunting for the must-have gifts of the season, planning the perfect holiday meal and arranging flawlessly timed travel are not tasks for the novice. This time of year can drain even the savviest shopper's budget, but there are easy ways to save and even earn money this holiday season.

Want to save up to 12 cents a gallon off your gasoline bill? Invest in a tire gauge and make sure your tires are properly inflated.

As you re-examine your monthly expenses to cover the escalating costs of food and fuel, it's important to consider life insurance in your plans. While it may be tempting to think a life insurance policy is out of reach in today's economy, it's actually more affordable than you think -- especially if you plan for it in the same way you budget for everything else.

Your children received gift cards for holiday gifts. Good financial education starts at home, so what better way to help teach your children the value of their gift dollar and getting the best deal on what they want?

Given the current economy, it is no surprise that Americans are stressed out about making ends meet, which is affecting their work and personal relationships. Nevertheless, many are optimistic and say they are committed to persevering with their personal finances, according to a new survey.